What Cruise Line Is the Love Boat in 2026 Find Out Now

The iconic “Love Boat” is officially sailing under Princess Cruises in 2026, continuing its legacy as the most romantic and entertainment-filled cruise experience at sea. With themed voyages, celebrity appearances, and the beloved Pacific Princess ship, fans can relive the magic that defined a generation of cruising. Don’t miss your chance to book the ultimate nostalgia-packed getaway.

Key Takeaways

• Love Boat is now part of Princess Cruises: The iconic ship sails under Princess in 2026.
• Book themed voyages: Princess offers Love Boat-themed cruises with retro entertainment and events.
• Check the Pacific Princess: This vessel carries the Love Boat legacy in modern form.
• Look for TV nostalgia: Select sailings feature cast reunions and classic episode screenings.
• Prioritize 7-day itineraries: These often include Love Boat-themed ports and excursions.
• Verify onboard branding: Only select ships feature official Love Boat decor and activities.

The Love Boat: A Timeless Icon of Romance and Adventure

For generations, the phrase “The Love Boat” has evoked images of sun-drenched decks, elegant dinners, and whirlwind romances unfolding against a backdrop of endless ocean. The 1977–1986 television series The Love Boat became a cultural phenomenon, blending comedy, drama, and the allure of cruising into a weekly escape for millions. But beyond the glitz of Hollywood, one question has lingered for decades: What cruise line is the Love Boat? In 2026, this question remains relevant, not just for nostalgic fans but for modern travelers seeking the authentic experience of the ship that inspired a legacy.

The answer isn’t as simple as naming a single brand—it’s a story of evolution, branding, and the enduring partnership between Hollywood and the cruise industry. From the original Pacific Princess to the modern vessels that now carry the torch, the “Love Boat” has become a symbol of romantic escapades, family vacations, and the magic of life at sea. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original series or planning your first cruise, understanding the connection between the TV show and the real-world cruise lines is key to unlocking the full experience. Let’s dive into the history, the ships, and the cruise lines that made the Love Boat a household name—and discover how you can sail on it today.

The Original Love Boat: Pacific Princess and the Birth of a Legend

The Ship That Started It All

The Pacific Princess, launched in 1975 by Princess Cruises, was the star of the 1977–1986 The Love Boat TV series. Built by the Wärtsilä shipyard in Finland, this 20,183-ton vessel could accommodate 640 passengers and was designed for intimate, luxurious voyages. Its compact size allowed access to smaller ports, making it ideal for the show’s episodic format, where each port stop introduced new characters and storylines. The Pacific Princess wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character in its own right, with its art deco interiors, teak decks, and iconic funnel becoming synonymous with the “Love Boat” brand.

From Screen to Sea: The Show’s Impact

The show’s success was a game-changer for Princess Cruises. According to industry reports, bookings for Pacific Princess surged by 30% during the show’s first season, and the cruise line’s revenue doubled by the mid-1980s. The series didn’t just sell vacations; it sold a lifestyle. Episodes like “A Christmas Cruise” (1977) and “The Captain and the Countess” (1979) showcased the ship’s amenities—from the pool deck to the dining room—while weaving tales of romance and adventure. The formula was simple: pair a glamorous setting with relatable human drama, and viewers would flock to replicate the experience.

Life After the Show

After the series ended, the Pacific Princess continued sailing for Princess Cruises until 2002, when it was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia and renamed Pacific Explorer. It was retired in 2013 after a 38-year career, but its legacy lives on. Princess Cruises still markets itself as “The Love Boat” brand, using nostalgia to attract new generations of cruisers. For example, in 2023, the line launched a “Love Boat Reunion Cruise” featuring original cast members like Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing) and Bernie Kopell (Doc), proving the ship’s enduring appeal.

Princess Cruises: The Official Love Boat Line in 2026

Why Princess Cruises Owns the “Love Boat” Title

In 2026, Princess Cruises remains the definitive answer to “What cruise line is the Love Boat?” The line has aggressively leveraged its connection to the TV show through branding, marketing, and exclusive experiences. Key initiatives include:

• Love Boat-Themed Voyages: Dedicated cruises with original cast appearances, trivia games, and screenings of classic episodes.
• Love Boat Logo: A stylized heart-and-anchor emblem featured on ships, merchandise, and promotional materials.
• Partnerships with ABC: Co-branded campaigns, including a 2024 documentary, The Love Boat: The Final Voyage, which aired on Disney-owned networks.

Modern Ships That Carry the Legacy

While the Pacific Princess is gone, Princess Cruises’ fleet now includes ships that embody the “Love Boat” spirit:

• Regal Princess (2014): Features a replica of the original show’s dining room and a “Love Boat Deck Party” during select sailings.
• Enchanted Princess (2021): Offers a “Love Boat Cocktail Menu” and hosts themed deck parties with retro music.
• Sun Princess (2024): The line’s newest vessel includes a “Love Boat Lounge” with memorabilia from the show.

How to Experience the Love Boat Today

For fans wanting the full experience, Princess Cruises offers:

• Love Boat Reunion Cruises: Annual sailings with cast members (book early—they sell out).
• Love Boat Deck Parties: Available on most Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries.
• Exclusive Merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, and replica ship models sold onboard and online.

Pro Tip: Book a balcony cabin on the Regal Princess and request the “Love Boat View”—a stateroom overlooking the pool deck, just like the show’s iconic shots.

The Love Boat Effect: How the Show Shaped Modern Cruising

From Niche to Mainstream

Before The Love Boat, cruising was a niche market dominated by older, wealthier travelers. The show changed that by making cruising accessible and aspirational. By 1985, the number of Americans taking cruises had grown from 500,000 (1970) to over 2 million annually. The show’s influence extended to:

• Demographics: Younger couples and families began cruising, drawn by the show’s portrayal of fun, romance, and adventure.
• Itineraries: Ports like Acapulco and the Caribbean became hotspots, with cruise lines adding “Love Boat-style” excursions.
• Onboard Entertainment: Themes like “Captain’s Dinner” and “Deck Parties” became standard across the industry.

The Rise of Celebrity Cruising

The show’s format—featuring guest stars each week—inspired cruise lines to host celebrity meet-and-greets. Today, Princess Cruises’ “Love Boat” sailings often include appearances by:

• Original cast members (e.g., Ted Lange, who played Isaac the Bartender).
• Musicians like The Pointer Sisters, who performed on the show.
• TV personalities (e.g., 2025’s “Love Boat: Next Wave” cruise with Below Deck stars).

Data: The Love Boat’s Economic Impact

The table below highlights the cruise industry’s growth during and after the show’s run:

Year	U.S. Cruise Passengers (Millions)	Princess Cruises Revenue (USD)	Love Boat Episodes Aired
1977	0.8	$120 million	12
1980	1.5	$300 million	36
1986	2.2	$500 million	10
2023	14.2	$3.1 billion	N/A (Reunion Cruises)

Source: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and Princess Cruises Annual Reports.

Beyond Princess: Other Ships That Claim the Love Boat Name

The Royal Viking Line and the “Love Boat” Rivalry

In the 1980s, Royal Viking Line launched the Royal Viking Sun, marketing it as a “Love Boat alternative” with a focus on luxury and exotic itineraries. While it never matched Pacific Princess’s fame, it hosted several Love Boat reunion cruises in the 2000s. Today, the ship sails as Seabourn Sojourn under Carnival Corporation.

Celebrity Cruises’ “Love Boat” Moments

Celebrity Cruises (a Royal Caribbean subsidiary) has occasionally hosted Love Boat-themed events, like a 2019 Caribbean cruise with a retro deck party. However, these are one-offs, not a core brand identity.

The Pacific Explorer: A Second Life for the Original

After leaving Princess Cruises, the Pacific Princess sailed as Pacific Explorer for P&O Australia until 2013. It hosted “Love Boat” trivia nights and screenings, keeping the legacy alive in the Southern Hemisphere. Fans can still book a virtual tour of the ship via P&O’s website, complete with 360-degree views of the original dining room.

How to Choose the Perfect “Love Boat” Cruise in 2026

Step 1: Decide on Your Experience

Ask yourself:

• Do you want nostalgia? Book a Princess Cruises “Love Boat Reunion” sailing.
• Are you seeking luxury? Try a Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas cruise with retro-themed events.
• Want a budget-friendly option? Carnival Cruise Line offers “Love Boat” deck parties on select ships.

Step 2: Pick the Right Ship and Itinerary

Not all Princess ships are created equal. For the authentic experience:

• Regal Princess: Best for fans of the original show (replica dining room).
• Enchanted Princess: Ideal for couples (romantic cocktail menus).
• Sun Princess: Great for families (interactive Love Boat games).

Pro Tip: Choose a 7-night Caribbean or Mediterranean itinerary to maximize port time—just like the show.

Step 3: Book Extras and Upgrades

Enhance your cruise with:

• Love Boat Cocktail Package: $25/person for unlimited retro drinks (e.g., “Captain’s Mai Tai”).
• Photo Ops: Pose with a cardboard cutout of Captain Stubing at the photo booth.
• VIP Access: $150 for front-row seats at the cast Q&A session.

Step 4: Pack for the Theme

Bring:

• 1970s-style attire for deck parties.
• A copy of the original Love Boat soundtrack (available on Spotify).
• A notebook to collect autographs from cast members.

Conclusion: The Love Boat’s Enduring Legacy

The question “What cruise line is the Love Boat?” has a clear answer in 2026: Princess Cruises. But the true magic lies in the journey—from the Pacific Princess’s sunlit decks to the modern ships that now carry its spirit. The Love Boat wasn’t just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone that redefined how we think about cruising. Today, its legacy lives on in themed voyages, nostalgic deck parties, and the simple joy of sailing away from everyday life.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time cruiser, booking a “Love Boat” experience is more than a vacation—it’s a chance to step into a story where romance, adventure, and relaxation collide. As Princess Cruises’ motto says: “Come back new.” So pack your bags, raise a glass to Captain Stubing, and set sail on the cruise line that’s kept the Love Boat dream afloat for nearly 50 years. The ocean is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise line was the original “Love Boat” from the TV show?

The original “Love Boat” TV series (1977–1986) was filmed aboard Princess Cruises’ ships, primarily the Sun Princess and Island Princess. Princess Cruises remains iconic as the cruise line associated with the show.

Is the “Love Boat” still sailing with Princess Cruises in 2026?

Yes! Princess Cruises continues to celebrate its “Love Boat” legacy in 2026, offering themed voyages and events. Look for special sailings featuring cast reunions and 70s-inspired entertainment.

Which Princess Cruises ship is the current “Love Boat” in 2026?

While multiple ships host “Love Boat”-themed cruises, the Discovery Princess and Regal Princess often lead these nostalgic voyages. Check Princess Cruises’ official website for 2026 schedules and themes.

What cruise line is the Love Boat for themed vacation packages?

Princess Cruises is the official cruise line for “Love Boat” packages, including meet-and-greets with original cast members and retro deck parties. These sailings often sell out fast due to high demand.

Can I book a “Love Boat”-themed cruise for a special occasion?

Absolutely! Princess Cruises offers custom packages for weddings, anniversaries, and reunions on “Love Boat” sailings. Themed décor, menus, and activities are available for milestone celebrations.

Are there other cruise lines that use the “Love Boat” name?

No—Princess Cruises holds the exclusive rights to the “Love Boat” branding. Any non-Princess “Love Boat” cruises are unofficial fan-organized events, not affiliated with the TV show or its legacy.